Zimbabwe approves breakthrough HIV prevention injection

THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has approved a new long-acting medicine, Lenacapavir, to help prevent HIV infection.

Lenacapavir, is used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35kg.

It is for people who are HIV-negative but at high risk of infection.

Zimbabwe was in handpicked by the United States two months ago as one of just 10 countries worldwide to roll out a revolutionary HIV prevention drug.

According to MCAZ, the drug developed by U.S.-based Gilead Sciences was cleared under an expedited review because of its major public health importance.

MCAZ said the application, submitted by the manufacturer Gilead on 29 October, went through a strict evaluation and was approved in just 23 days.

The regulator said this shows its commitment to making important, life-saving medicines available quickly.

MCAZ Director-General Richard Rukwata, said the quick approval shows MCAZ’s commitment to speeding up access to trusted and high-quality health products.

“The rapid approval of Lenacapavir reflects MCAZ’s dedication to accelerating access to trusted, high-quality health products.

“This milestone brings new hope for HIV prevention and reinforces our commitment to safeguarding public health,” he said.

The approval is expected to boost Zimbabwe’s HIV prevention efforts by offering a long-acting option for people who may struggle to take daily PrEP pills.

The medicine is given as an injection every six months after an initial phase that includes one injection and tablets taken on the first two days.

MCAZ stressed that the medicine must be used together with safer sex practices such as condoms and behaviour change to reduce risk.

Zimbabwe has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world, with 1.3 million people living with the condition.